business cards at trade shows

The good news? We’re seeing a return to business cards at trade shows and events. In 2024, approximately 70% of professionals are using them—up from only 20% the year after COVID-19. If you’re part of the remaining 30% still holding out, what’s stopping you? Not having a card in hand may be limiting your event outcomes. It’s time to change course! Consider this recent experience: At a trade show, I met several professionals who opted for QR codes instead of traditional business cards. Each code is linked to a different platform—LinkedIn, a website, an email, WhatsApp, or a trade show app profile. While these digital solutions saved paper, they also created confusion. The variety of platforms made it challenging to keep track of contacts, as none of them allowed for easy note-taking, event association, or prioritization. By scattering their contact details across multiple channels, these professionals inadvertently reduced their chances of reconnecting. With no universal platform for seamless contact sharing at events, business cards remain the most reliable way to make lasting connections. Make it easy for the people you meet to follow-up with you. Top 5 Reasons to Carry and Share Business Cards Reduce friction in your networking by having a business card ready to hand out. Every time someone accepts it, you’re reinforcing your brand. Take advantage of these moments—give out two cards, or even ten! The more accessible you are, the stronger and more impactful your connections will be. Additional Resources If you liked this article you might try, Who Wants a 50% Solution? About MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation:  bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.